Has IIM Guwahati's Future Been Secured by the LS?
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Synopsis
The Lok Sabha's recent passing of the IIM Amendment Bill, 2025, granting IIM Guwahati national significance, has stirred controversy due to its swift approval without debate. This move, aimed at enhancing development in Assam, raises questions about legislative transparency and prioritization of regional advancement.
Key Takeaways
- IIM Guwahati has been recognized as an institute of national importance.
- The Bill provides a corpus fund of Rs 555 crore over five years.
- There was no discussion before the Bill's passage, raising transparency concerns.
- The establishment aims to enhance educational development in Assam and the Northeast.
- IIM Guwahati will operate under the mentorship of IIM Ahmedabad.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) The Lok Sabha concluded its session for the day after approving the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, via a voice vote, without engaging in any discussion.
The Bill aims to modify the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017, to recognize IIM Guwahati as an institute of national significance. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the Bill amidst a tense environment and frequent disruptions.
After three earlier adjournments, the House reconvened at 4 PM. BJP MP Dilip Saikia presided over the proceedings, during which Minister Pradhan proposed that the Bill be considered and sought its approval.
As the chair called for a voice vote, Opposition members were heard shouting slogans and raising objections. In response, Saikia stated, “The state of Assam will have an IIM and you are saying no,” before announcing the Bill's passage. The initiative to establish IIM Guwahati is based on a Memorandum of Settlement signed between the Centre, the Assam government, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), aimed at promoting development in the region.
The Bill allocates a corpus fund of Rs 555 crore over five years, after which the institute is anticipated to be financially self-sufficient through internal revenue.
IIM Guwahati is set to receive a corpus fund of Rs 555 crore for a five-year period (2025-26 to 2029-30).
“After five years, no further assistance shall be provided to the Institute as, by the end of this period, IIM Guwahati should generate sufficient revenue through its own internal accruals,” the Bill stated.
The passage of the Bill without debate has faced backlash from Opposition members, who had been voicing their concerns earlier in the day about issues like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Despite the demonstrations, the government successfully pushed its legislative agenda, underlining the developmental importance of the new IIM for Assam and the Northeast.
With the addition of IIM Guwahati, the total count of IIMs recognized as institutes of national importance under the Act increases to 22.
The new institute will function under the mentorship of IIM Ahmedabad, with classes anticipated to commence this year from a temporary campus.
A permanent campus is planned for Palasbari in Kamrup district. Following the Bill's passage, the House was adjourned until Wednesday.
The sudden end of the proceedings and the absence of discussion on the Bill have sparked concerns about legislative transparency and the opportunity for debate in Parliament's operations.
Point of View
The swift passage of the IIM Amendment Bill raises valid concerns around transparency in legislative processes. While the development of IIM Guwahati is undeniably significant for the region, it is equally crucial to ensure that such measures are discussed thoroughly to uphold democratic values and public trust in governance.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IIM Amendment Bill entail?
The IIM Amendment Bill, 2025, seeks to amend the Indian Institutes of Management Act, 2017, to designate IIM Guwahati as an institute of national importance, providing a corpus fund of Rs 555 crore for its initial five years.
Why was the Bill passed without discussion?
The Bill was passed amidst disruptions and protests in the Lok Sabha, leading to a voice vote being called without extensive debate.
What is the significance of IIM Guwahati?
IIM Guwahati's establishment is aimed at fostering development in Assam and the Northeast, contributing to regional educational advancements.
When will classes at IIM Guwahati begin?
Classes at IIM Guwahati are expected to commence this year from a temporary campus.
How will IIM Guwahati sustain itself financially?
The Bill states that after five years, IIM Guwahati is expected to be self-sustaining through internal accruals, without further financial support.
